Is there anything bad in fairlife protein?

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a Consumer Reports study, Fairlife's Core Power shake was found to contain some of the highest levels of plastic chemicals among tested food products. This raises serious questions for many consumers, prompting a closer look at potential negative aspects, including ethical controversies and food additive concerns, to determine if there is anything bad in Fairlife protein.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential downsides of Fairlife protein shakes, including reported high levels of plastic chemicals, the use of artificial sweeteners and carrageenan, and a history of animal welfare controversies. It also compares Fairlife to other protein drinks.

Key Points

Phthalate Contamination: Consumer Reports testing found high levels of potentially hazardous plastic chemicals (phthalates) in Fairlife's Core Power shake.
Artificial Ingredients: Fairlife shakes often contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as well as carrageenan, linked to potential gut issues.
Animal Welfare Scandals: Fairlife has faced multiple public controversies and lawsuits over severe animal abuse allegations at supplier farms, raising ethical concerns.
Lack of Third-Party Testing: As a regulated food product, final Fairlife products do not undergo third-party testing for contaminants, unlike many dietary supplements.
Sourcing Transparency: Following animal welfare scandals, Fairlife removed its humane animal care claims, creating less transparency for consumers.

Fairlife Protein: A Comprehensive Examination of Potential Downsides

Fairlife protein products, especially the popular Nutrition Plan and Core Power shakes, have gained a significant following for their high protein content and delicious, creamy taste. The company's ultra-filtration process concentrates milk proteins while reducing lactose and sugar, making it appealing for those with lactose intolerance or specific fitness goals. However, a complete assessment requires looking beyond the marketing claims to understand the potential "bad" aspects that have surfaced.

Contaminants: The Problem with Phthalates

A major recent concern revolves around the potential presence of harmful contaminants in Fairlife products. In early 2024, Consumer Reports tested 85 foods and beverages, finding that Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake had alarmingly high levels of phthalates.

What are phthalates? These are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They can leach into food during processing, packaging, or storage.
Health risks: Phthalates have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including endocrine disruption, birth defects, and increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Fairlife's response: As of late 2024, Fairlife had not publicly responded to Consumer Reports' findings or detailed any corrective action, according to KSL NewsRadio.

The Use of Artificial Sweeteners and Additives

While some Fairlife products are praised for low sugar, they achieve this by incorporating artificial sweeteners and other food additives, which are not without controversy. Many protein shakes, including Fairlife's Nutrition Plan, contain sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium: These are artificial sweeteners linked by some research to potential negative effects on the gut microbiome. While generally recognized as safe by regulators, concerns persist, particularly regarding long-term, high-dose consumption.
Carrageenan: This thickener is another ingredient found in many Fairlife shakes. Some nutrition experts and magazines like Eat This, Not That have pointed to carrageenan as a potential cause of gut inflammation and irritation.
Digestive issues: The combination of these ingredients can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps for sensitive individuals, although Fairlife is lactose-free.

Ethical Concerns and Animal Welfare Controversies

For ethically-minded consumers, Fairlife's history with animal welfare is a significant downside. The brand's early marketing centered on humane animal treatment, a claim that has been repeatedly challenged.

The 2019 scandal: An undercover investigation by the Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) at a Fairlife supplier farm revealed consistent, graphic abuse of calves and cows. The company settled a class-action lawsuit for $21 million related to false advertising claims of humane treatment.
Continued allegations: Despite the settlement, later ARM investigations have continued to allege abuse at supplier farms, suggesting that the initial scandal was not an isolated incident and that systemic issues may persist.
Shift in stance: Following these revelations, Fairlife has quietly removed claims of humane animal treatment from its products and website, indicating a strategic shift away from the promises that initially attracted some consumers.

Fairlife vs. Other Protein Shakes: A Comparison


Feature	Fairlife Nutrition Plan	Premier Protein	Plant-Based Shakes (e.g., Orgain)
Protein Source	Ultra-filtered cow's milk	Milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, whey protein concentrate	Pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds
Lactose	Lactose-free	Contains lactose, may cause issues for sensitive individuals	Lactose-free
Taste & Texture	Creamy, similar to milk	Varies, can sometimes have a thicker texture or more artificial taste	Can be less creamy or have a distinct, earthy flavor
Additives	Contains sucralose, acesulfame-potassium, carrageenan	May contain artificial sweeteners and other additives	Varies; some may use natural sweeteners or be additive-free
Ethical Concerns	Significant animal welfare controversies	Less public controversy, but dependent on supplier practices	Generally considered more ethical depending on the brand and sourcing practices

Conclusion: Weighing the Good Against the Bad

For many, Fairlife protein shakes offer a convenient, low-sugar, high-protein, and tasty option that works for those with lactose intolerance. However, the reported presence of phthalates, the use of artificial sweeteners and thickening agents like carrageenan, and the ongoing ethical concerns regarding animal welfare are significant potential downsides. These issues prompt a crucial consideration for any consumer prioritizing product safety, ethical sourcing, and clean ingredients. Ultimately, whether the nutritional benefits outweigh the potential "bad" aspects depends on an individual's personal health concerns, ethical standards, and dietary priorities. By understanding these drawbacks, consumers can make a more informed choice about whether Fairlife is the right protein source for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phthalates are plastic-softening chemicals. In early 2024, Consumer Reports found high levels of these potentially harmful chemicals in Fairlife's Core Power shakes, which can leach from packaging. They are endocrine disruptors linked to various health concerns.

Yes, many Fairlife products, such as the Nutrition Plan shakes, are sweetened with a blend of artificial sweeteners, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium, in addition to monk fruit and stevia extracts.

Fairlife has been the subject of multiple investigations by the Animal Recovery Mission (ARM), which uncovered extensive animal abuse at supplier farms. The company has paid settlements and quietly removed humane care claims from its marketing materials.

While Fairlife is lactose-free, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort like bloating or gas. This can be caused by the artificial sweeteners or carrageenan used in the products, especially in those with sensitive digestive systems.

In 2022, Fairlife paid a $21 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit alleging false advertising related to its claims of humane animal treatment. This followed undercover video evidence of animal abuse at a supplier farm.

As a food product rather than a dietary supplement, Fairlife shakes are not typically subject to the same level of third-party purity testing. While Fairlife audits its milk suppliers, the finished products containing sweeteners and additives do not have independent certification.

The issues vary by product line and formulation. The phthalate contamination, for example, was specifically reported in the Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake. However, concerns regarding artificial ingredients and ethical sourcing apply more broadly across the brand's offerings.